En Bloc Resection of Bladder Tumors (ERBT) using different lasers - Hybrid and Holmium Laser

ABSTRACT Introduction: The En-bloc Resection of Bladder Tumors (ERBT) is a method that offers more benefits compared to the traditional Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) (1, 2). Recent studies have shown that ERBT offers better pathological analysis and oncological outcomes (3-6). Thulium and holmium are the most frequently used lasers for this procedure, with the hybrid laser being a new addition that combines thulium and diode to improve hemostatic properties (5, 7-9). Objective: This report aims to discuss the use of two types of lasers, hybrid and holmium, for ERBT. Material and Methods: Two case studies were conducted. The first case featured a 68-year-old male with two tumors measuring 1.5cm and 2cm. The hybrid laser was used for the procedure. The second case involved a 70-year-old female with a 5cm tumor on the posterior bladder wall, and holmium laser was used with morcellation of the tumor. The quality of histopathological analysis was evaluated. The perioperative data and the entire procedure of the two cases were documented in a step-by-step video. Results: Both lasers demonstrated excellent results without technical difficulties. There was no bleeding, and both patients were discharged with one day of hospitalization. The detrusor muscle was present without artifacts, and the morcellation did not affect the analysis. The first case showed a pT1G3, and the second case showed a pT2 urothelial carcinoma. The hybrid laser exhibited superior hemostatic capacity compared to the holmium laser. Conclusion: ERBT can use hybrid or holmium lasers without affecting histopathological analysis, even with morcellation.

En Bloc Resection of Bladder Tumors (ERBT) using different lasers - Hybrid and Holmium Laser.

INTRODUCTION: The En-bloc Resection of Bladder Tumors (ERBT) is a method that offers more benefits compared to the traditional Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) (1, 2). Recent studies have shown that ERBT offers better pathological analysis and oncological outcomes (3-6). Thulium and holmium are the most frequently used lasers for this procedure, with the hybrid laser being a new addition that combines thulium and diode to improve hemostatic properties (5, 7-9). OBJECTIVE: This report aims to discuss the use of two types of lasers, hybrid and holmium, for ERBT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two case studies were conducted. The first case featured a 68-year-old male with two tumors measuring 1.5cm and 2cm. The hybrid laser was used for the procedure. The second case involved a 70-year-old female with a 5cm tumor on the posterior bladder wall, and holmium laser was used with morcellation of the tumor. The quality of histopathological analysis was evaluated. The perioperative data and the entire procedure of the two cases were documented in a step-by-step video. RESULTS: Both lasers demonstrated excellent results without technical difficulties. There was no bleeding, and both patients were discharged with one day of hospitalization. The detrusor muscle was present without artifacts, and the morcellation did not affect the analysis. The first case showed a pT1G3, and the second case showed a pT2 urothelial carcinoma. The hybrid laser exhibited superior hemostatic capacity compared to the holmium laser. CONCLUSION: ERBT can use hybrid or holmium lasers without affecting histopathological analysis, even with morcellation.

Validation of the TWIST score for testicular torsion in adults.

PURPOSE: The TWIST (Testicular Work-up for Ischemia and Suspected Torsion) score was developed to allow for expedited diagnosis of testicular torsion (TT) in children based on clinical variables: edema (2 points), hard mass (2), absent cremasteric reflex (1), high-riding testis (1) and nausea/vomiting (1). We sought to validate the TWIST Score applied by non-expert physicians for the diagnosis of testicular torsion in an adult population. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed all consecutive males presenting to a tertiary hospital with acute scrotum. Patients with previous scrotal pathology or trauma were excluded. Physical examination was performed by a general surgeon and variables of TWIST were recorded. All patients underwent Scrotal Doppler Ultrasound. Measures of accuracy of the TWIST score and ROC curves were generated to evaluate its performance in diagnosing TT in adults. RESULTS: Of 68 patients, 34 had TT (50%). Median age was 24.9 years. According to the original cutoffs of TWIST, 23 patients had a score ≤ 2 among which none had TT. Fifteen patients had a score of 3-4, among which seven had TT. Thirty patients had a score ≥ 5, among which 27 had TT. All 18 patients with a score of 6 or greater had TT (100% PPV). ROC curve revealed an AUC of 0.95. CONCLUSION: The TWIST Score is valid for the diagnosis of Testicular Torsion in adults, presenting a PPV of 90% for a cutoff of 5 points and 100% for six points. In all patients with a score of 2 or less, the disease could be safely excluded (100% NPV).

Calcifying fibrous tumor: A rare spermatic cord presentation.

Calcifying fibrous tumor of the tunica vaginalis is a rare fibrous proliferation, which can sometimes mimic a scrotal malignancy prompting surgical intervention. It has been recognized as a benign lesion, and no recurrence has been described after its resection. Its identification is essential to avoid overtreatment and unnecessary orchiectomy. We herein describe a rare case of calcifying fibrous tumor of the tunica vaginalis in a young patient and review the clinical features of inguinal and scrotal calcifying fibrous tumors to help clinical decisions and encourage a testis sparing surgery.